4 Household Pests That Can Harm Your Health If Not Handled Promptly

Most people know that pests are a nuisance that call for an exterminator. However, what some people don’t realize is that pests can be more than just unwanted houseguests. Pests can actually carry harmful bacteria, posing a serious health risk to you and your loved ones. For this reason, it’s critical to catch a pest problem as early as possible. The longer that you let a pest issue persist, the worst it gets.

Take a look at some of the most dangerous health risks that are associated with household pests.

Cockroaches

Sure, cockroaches are ugly, but did you know they are downright filthy too? Roaches in your house mean traces of their urine and droppings that can affect the quality of the air that you breathe. “So, what’s the big deal if I only have one or two roaches? Surely it can’t be that bad,” you might tell yourself. However, the problem with roaches is that they multiply.

The more roaches that you have in your house, the more people with respiratory issues are at risk, particularly children. Not to mention, they aren’t like spiders who tend to find a nice dark corner and hide. Roaches like to get into your food, and can even chew through some materials. When you consider where roaches dwell (sewers and filthy streets), they’re probably not anything you want near your food.

Mosquitos

A mosquito can keep you up at night from the irritating sound and itchy welts. They’re not just irritating, however. Getting a bite from the wrong mosquito could result in contracting a serious illness, and in some cases even death.

If you find yourself with a significant amount of mosquitos in and around your home, you should call a professional to discuss your options.

Rodents

Rodents are incredibly talented at getting into your home from places you would least expect. All it takes is a slit the size of a dime for an entire mouse to squeeze through. Once they’re in, they’ll multiply at an alarming rate. Much like the droppings of cockroaches, mouse feces can also be dangerous for allergy or asthma sufferers.

Rats are similar to mice, however, they can be much larger and more aggressive. Someone in your family could suffer from a bite or scratch. Perhaps you’ve heard of rat-bite fever– it’s a thing by the way! It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep rodents far far away from your home at all costs.

Bed Bugs

Trust us, the last thing you want to bite you while you sleep is bed bugs. They leave an unsightly rash as well as an emotional impact. Change your mattress every few years and always check regularly for droppings!